Operational Supplier Manager (m/f/d)

Advantest - We enable tomorrowʻs technology. IoT, 5G and Artificial Intelligence. Unthinkable without us. More than half of all the microchips produced worldwide first pass through our hands. As the global market leader of automated test systems in the semiconductor industry we help the world to realize the digital transformation, enable our customers to shape the future and offer you the exciting jobs intended for pioneers. Are you seeking answers and opportunities for your future? At our site in Böblingen you will find both as Operational Supplier Manager (m/f/d) Your Responsibilities As an Operational Supplier Manager in an “outsourced manufacturing” model, you are the “control tower” for material availability across a network of contract manufacturers (CMs), suppliers, and logistics partners. You ensure materials are available **in the right quantity, at the right location, at the right time to support production and customer delivery-despite indirect control over execution and frequently changing constraints. This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration internally (Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Inventory Planning, S&OP and S&OE leads, Operational Buying, Quality, Logistics) and disciplined supplier-facing coordination externally (CMs, tier suppliers, freight providers). You will balance service, inventory, cost, and risk, and lead exception management when supply and demand do not match. Material Planning & MRP Execution Translate supply plans into material requirements using MRP (e.g. Oracle) and planning tools Maintain and continuously improve planning parameters (e.g. lead times, safety stock, MOQ, lot sizes, reorder points) Manage call-offs, releases, and replenishment signals to suppliers and contract manufacturers within agreed planning horizons Validate system outputs and correct exceptions caused by master data issues, forecast anomalies, or BOM/route changes Supplier & Contract Manufacturer Coordination (External Execution) Align with contract manufacturers or suppliers on build schedules, material readiness, inbound windows, and inventory positions (supplier/CM-managed) Coordinate with suppliers to confirm capacity, lead times, allocation constraints, and delivery commitments Drive adherence to orders / plans and escalate deviations through defined escalation paths Support sourcing strategies by providing data on supply reliability, constraints, etc. Proactively identify material risks (e.g. shortages, long lead-time exposures, logistics disruption) Lead cross-functional recovery actions (substitution, expedite, reschedule, partial shipments) Run scenario checks (“what-if”) to quantify impact on service levels, production, and inventory Maintain a risk dashboard for critical materials and define mitigation plans Cross-Functional Collaboration & Planning Governance Participate in regular planning cadences (e.g., Supply review, shortage meetings, S&OE coordination) Provide clear, timely communication to stakeholders on constraints, risks, and mitigation options Data Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement Maintain high-quality master data (e.g. material master, lead times, vendor data, MRP types, safety stock, BOM accuracy) in collaboration with Master Data/Engineering Report (Excel/Power BI) and track KPIs and highlight root causes of recurring issues Contribute to sustainability objectives by reducing waste, avoiding unnecessary premium freight, and optimizing material usage Your Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or related field 5+ years** experience in material planning, supply planning, procurement coordination, or inventory management-ideally within outsourced/ external manufacturing environment Strong working knowledge of ERP / MRP (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and planning fundamentals Demonstrated experience managing suppliers/CMs in a global environment (multi-time-zone, multi-location) Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a structured, data-driven approach. Familiarity with planning and supply chain concepts: lead times, MOQs, safety stock, forecast consumption, service/inventory trade-offs Exposure to NPI/change control processes and lifecycle planning (phase-in/phase-out). Preferred APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent. Experience with Power BI (or similar), advanced Excel, and data visualization/reporting. SKILLS REQUIRED: Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving - Intermediate Communication - Advanced Contract Management - Basic Cost Control and Analysis - Intermediate Demand Management - Intermediate Exception leadership - Advanced Inventory Management - Advanced Material Planning - Expert Procurement - Intermediate Risk Management - Intermediate Stakeholder Management - Advanced Supply and Inventory Management - Advanced Our offer Flexibility Benefits Development Fitness Security Flexible and trust-based working hours, 30 vacation days + option for additional vacation days, mobile working, individual part-time models and programs for extended periods of absence Attractive salary, share in Advantest´s success through our exceptionally appealing bonus program as well as numerous subsidies, discounts and offerings (e.g. bike leasing) Structured onboarding programs and mentoring, development discussions, technical and soft skill trainings, language courses and knowledge sessions Ergonomic working environment, sports and fitness options and events (e.g. Global Challenge) as well as health days Attractive company pension scheme, comprehensive insurance coverage and support in emergency situations Take your next career step with us! Apply now, preferably via our online application tool. If...